Buying a gun can be intimidating. You may feel like you’re making a big mistake by spending your money on something as expensive as a gun. However, there’s nothing to worry about because you’ll know exactly what you’re getting when you buy a gun. With these tips, you should be able to make an informed decision without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated.
There is, for better or worse, there is a lot of info on-line. Some of it is Sound, and some of it isn’t. Using trusted online resources for information is a step in the right direction. You can also pick up one of the many books (or ebooks) to learn more. You don’t necessarily need to know the model you want when you walk into the gun store, but you should have some idea of the type of gun (revolver or semiautomatic pistol, shotgun, or rifle) and the caliber you’re looking for.
Consider the purpose of your gun purchase. Do you want a gun for self-defense, hunting, or sport? Some may be purchasing a gun because the world seems crazy at this time. People are calling for defunding law enforcement only to see crime and murder rates rocket to new highs. Understand we are a business and therefore not being political. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and thoughts. However, if response times keep climbing, it does start to make more sense than ever before to have a gun for home and self-defense.
Each year, over 240 million calls are made to 911. Some of those calls should not go to emergency numbers, and some are for things like medical emergencies. In 2017, the average law enforcement call response times nationally was over 11 minutes. Now, in 2022, just 5 years later, in many areas, the response times have more than doubled. In most parts of the country, it is not the law enforcement’s fault. Instead, it is the consequences of many political and financial actions.
Some areas are reporting the longest response times ever. Others are saying they will not even respond to non-violent crimes. So it just makes sense that reasonable people are considering purchasing a gun for their own safety.
Remember Guns are Tools
Guns are very useful tools. People use them to protect themselves, their families and others. There are many types of guns. Some are used by police officers, some are used by soldiers, some are used by hunters, some are used by civilians. Guns are also used by criminals. Criminals often steal guns from homes and businesses. No matter where you stand on guns or gun ownership, understand that there are over 300 million guns already in the hands of owners in the United States. Guns are not going away, so having a firearm for self-defense can be a sound decision.
Just remember, gun safety means not only learning to use your gun safely but also storing your gun safely to prevent misuse, or theft as well. Every gun owner should have a gun safe and trigger locks for their gun (s). If you have children or young adults in the home, you must also consider proper gun safety training for them to address the mystery of a gun in the home, and proper respect for gun safety.
Choosing the right gun store
Choosing the right store is important if you want to get the most value for your money. But it is more than pricing. Having a caring and helpful staff makes all the difference. When you can go into a local store on your first gun purchase, that is an excellent choice. However; right now, that might not be an option for everyone. So finding a reliable and trusted gun store online maybe the key to your purchasing success. Top Gun Supply has been online for many years and has two retail locations as well in Ohio and Florida.
Choosing the model of gun
Handguns
There are many types of handguns available today, including revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and even submachine guns. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Some people prefer revolvers because they’re easy to use, while others prefer semi-automatics because they’re more accurate. A person can learn about handguns by reading magazines or watching videos, but there’s no substitute for hands-on experience.
Self-defense handguns are the most popular type of firearms used by civilians. The.380 caliber pistol is the most common handgun in the United States. The 9 mm caliber is also very popular. The.40 S&W and.45 ACP are two of the most popular calibers. These three calibers are often referred to as “pocket pistols” because of their size and lightweight. Handguns are usually carried in holsters or shoulder bags. A holster is an item worn around the waist that holds the weapon securely. Holsters come in various styles, such as belt, ankle, inside the pants, etc. Some people prefer to carry their guns in their pockets. This method requires some skill to draw the weapon quickly without having to fumble with clothing. Many people use a combination of both methods.
Shotguns
There are few sounds like hearing a 12-gauge shotgun being cocked and loaded. Unless a criminal is on drugs, this sound alone may lead them to flee from a property. Also, the stopping power of a shotgun is almost unmatched. At close range, they can deliver a great deal of stopping power, and do it without much skill or previous practice.
With shotguns, you should consider your ammo loads carefully. If you live in a duplex or apartment with walls that connect to neighbors, you may want to choose a lighter ammo load. Buckshot is the load many recommend because it offers good penetration of a target and stopping power without overpenetration through multiple walls. According to gel test ballistics, #1 buckshot can achieve a penetration of 16.5 inches, which is in range with FBI recommendations.
Rifles
The majority of time you do not hear people talk about using rifles much for home defense. However, it is something to consider if you are just talking about long guns that may shoot the same size ammo as a pistol but allow an amateur more accuracy, and a better rate of fire.
You can shoot a 9MM round with much more accuracy with a longer barrel, stock, and in many cases a front hand hold position that is built in than almost anyone but experts with a pistol. This means if you feel that a shotgun is not the best choice for your location and needs, you may want to look for a modern rifle for home-defense use.
As you continue your journey on your first firearms purchase do consider working with Top Gun Supply for all of your needs. We are happy to work with you online or in our two retail gun store locations. We are in Chesterland, OH, and in St. Augustine, FL.
Check out many of the free videos at our sister site Top Gun Videos Online to learn more about your options as a first time gun buyer.